We recently had the chance to connect with Marian Paternina and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marian , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I’m fully immersed in a creative process-painting, designing or riding a board. Movement and creation quiet my mind and sharpen my intuition. In those moments, I’m not chasing time or outcomes. I’m aligned. And that’s where I always find myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist and creative strategist whose work is rooted in movement, intuition, and flow.
My journey began in design, but I truly found my voice when I realized that creativity doesn’t start in the mind – it practice, I reconnected with art as a living, playing, sports, moving experience rather than a static result.
That philosophy became the foundation of by brand, Holo Wai, where I create scenarios, murals, illustrations, and creative experiences that explore self-discovery, sports, play, and presence.
I also work with brands and entrepeneurs, helping them grow by aligning their strategy with their essence.
At the core of everything I do is one belief: when we allow ourselves to move, explore, and create freely, we don’t just build brands-we come back to who we are.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
A few people saw me clearly before I did. The most important: My Fiance and partner, saw me clearly before I could see myself. Not by directing me, but by trusting my process. His belief in movement, music, and living creatively helped me reconnect with parts of myself I had put on pause. Through that reflection, I learned to trust my own voice.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me humility and discernment. It stripped away what was performative and forced me to face what was real. In that process, I learned to listen to my body, my intuition, and my truth. That clarity is what shaped my work and became the foundation of H- a practice rooted in presence, movement, and honesty.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the belief that creativity is a pathway back to ourselves. Through art, movement, sports and play, I want to remind people that purpose isn’t something you find – it´s something you practice. I’m in it for the long run.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I would regret not sharing what I’ve learned through my own process. Staying small or quiet when my experience could help others reconnect with themselves would feel like a loss. If my creativity can open doors, spark courage, or remind someone of who they are, then it deserves to be shared.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @holo.wai
- Linkedin: Marian Paternina
- Yelp: PatArt Design
- Youtube: @holowai
Image Credits
Artwork and murals created by the artist for Macondo Coffee Roasters. Pinecrest FL.
